The US-based Scotsman targeted a dream debut in his adopted homeland this September but Laird knows time is running out after a run of indifferent form left him well outside the qualifying points list.

But the next five weeks, which features a run of big events including The Open and USPGA, offer a big opportunity to surge into captain Jose Maria Olazabal’s plans for Medinah.

He knows the clock is ticking and hopes to get his big push under way at this week’s Aberdeen Asset Scottish Open with a bit of help from his long lost home comforts – Irn-Bru and black pudding.

Laird said: “There is a sense of urgency now. It’s not like I was at the start of the year, I know I’ve got to play well now.

“My next four weeks I’ve got two majors a World Golf Championship event and the Scottish Open, which I treat as a fifth major.

“So I’ve got a great stretch to do something with all these big events and I feel if I play well I’ll at least be in contention and hopefully win one.

“It’s good to be back in Scotland and I’ve enjoyed a few cans of Irn Bru and a little black pudding in the morning for breakfast is always good too.

“They don’t have black pudding in America, they don’t have a clue and when you tell them what it is they turn their nose up at it.”

It’s success that Laird most wants to feast on over the next fortnight and he admits that the wet conditions that have battered the nation over the last two months might just boost his chances.

Links golf courses have rarely played softer than just now, which means Laird – who changed his swing to adopt the long, high ball flight that favours the bomber’s courses in America – won’t have to relearn the bump-and-run shots usually demanded on dry, fiery links fairways.

The way he sees it, the recent deluges could play into the hands of the Americans and guys like him who play most of their golf across the Atlantic.

He said: “It definitely fits the American guys this year. If I came over here knowing it’s going to be windy and dry like a links course is supposed to be it would definitely take a little more of a change in my game to get used to it.

“Especially around the greens because that’s where it really counts. So the rain does help me a little bit. I’m assuming it’s not going to be overly firm next week at Lytham either so you might see a few more of the guys who play in America doing well.

“I have under performed in The Open so far. I have not been happy with my performance there or really at all the majors but I’m not panicking about it.

“I don’t think there’s anything that I need to change in my game to do it. I’ve just not played well in those big weeks.

“This year in general I’ve had a few results that I wish were a little better but it’s all down to my short game.

“I’m hitting the ball well but my putting has been a little streaky so it has been a frustrating year.

“Anyone will tell you when you’re hitting it well and not getting the scores that you feel you should it’s hard.

“But this week is a great tournament and on a good golf course that will help me get ready for next week. But I’m not here just to do that, I’m here to try to win the Scottish Open.”

Meanwhile, top pros Laird, Colin Montgomerie and Scott Jamieson were unveiled as ClubGolf Ambassadors as First Minister Alex Salmond arrived at Castle Stuart to join a kids’ coaching session.

The initiative, which aims to give every child in Scotland the chance to try golf before the age of nine, is running a series of activities during this week’s Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open.

Montgomerie said: “I’m delighted to become a ClubGolf Ambassador as this is a fantastic initiative to get more children involved in golf.

“Having all these fun activities going alongside an international tournament is a great formula to get kids involved.”

Fellow golfing stars Stephen Gallacher, Catriona Matthew and Kelsey MacDonald have also signed up to become Ambassadors for Scotland’s successful national junior golf programme, which has also been backed by 18-time Major champion Jack Nicklaus.